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At a dinner party when guests were sitting around the table discussing life, one man, a CEO, decided to explain the problem with education. He argued, “What’s a kid going to learn from someone who decided his best option in life was to become a teacher?” He reminded the other dinner guests what they said about teachers: “Those who can do. Those who can’t, teach.” To stress his point he said to another guest: “You are a teacher, Jim. Be honest. What do you make?” Jim, who had a reputation for honesty and frankness replied, “You want to know what I make? (He paused for a second, and then began…)
“Well, I make kids work harder than they ever thought they could. I make a C+ feel like the Congressional Medal of Honor if this student has been barely passing. I make kids sit through 40 minutes of class time when their parents can’t make them sit for 5 minutes without an I-Pod, Game Cube, or movie rental. You want to know what I make? (He paused again and looked at each of every person at the table.) I make kids wonder. I make them question. I make them criticize. I make them apologize and mean it. Not just say I’m sorry, but I am sorry for … I make them have respect and take responsibility for their actions. I teach them to write and I then make them write. I make them read, read, read. I make them show all their work in math. I make them understand what character is, what responsibility entails. I do lessons on honesty, friendship and good citizenship. I teach them basic values. I make my classroom a place where all my students feel safe. I make my students stand to say the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, because we live in the United States of America. Finally, I make them understand that if they use the gifts they were given, work hard, and follow their hearts, they can succeed in life. Then, when people try to judge me by what I make, I can hold my head up high and pay no attention because they are ignorant… You want to know what I make? I MAKE A DIFFERENCE. What do you make? I read this anonymous piece a while back, and it really says it all. There is much truth in the statement “Teachers make every other profession.” I admire our teachers, and I respect them. In today’s society with all that is expected of teachers, and the bashing they take from every direction, I salute them for their willingness to take on such a task. It is true that the children are our future. The teachers that teach them have an awesome responsibility, and they affect our future in ways that can’t even be described. I thank our teachers for all they do. Eivor Swan is Superintendent of Wayland Union Schools |
